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Sir Ashton Lever Collection

Step into the captivating world of Sir Ashton Lever, an 18th-century English gentleman with a passion for exploration and natural history

Background imageSir Ashton Lever Collection: Perspective (interior) view of Sir Ashton Levers Museum (Leicester Square

Perspective (interior) view of Sir Ashton Levers Museum (Leicester Square
3744533 Perspective (interior) view of Sir Ashton Levers Museum (Leicester Square, London) March 30, 1785 (w/c on paper) by Stone, Sarah (1760-1844); 34.5x39 cm; Mitchell Library

Background imageSir Ashton Lever Collection: Sir Ashton Lever (engraving)

Sir Ashton Lever (engraving)
610697 Sir Ashton Lever (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Sir Ashton Lever); Look and Learn / Peter Jackson Collection; English, out of copyright

Background imageSir Ashton Lever Collection: Rotunda at the Leverian Museum (engraving)

Rotunda at the Leverian Museum (engraving)
610696 Rotunda at the Leverian Museum (engraving) by English School, (18th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Perspective View of the Rotunda at the Leverian Museum, Albion Street)

Background imageSir Ashton Lever Collection: Sir Ashton Lever (engraving)

Sir Ashton Lever (engraving)
818916 Sir Ashton Lever (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Sir Ashton Lever. Published in 1835)

Background imageSir Ashton Lever Collection: 18th century English gentleman and his tame wolf, Canis lupus, in the entrance to a cave

18th century English gentleman and his tame wolf, Canis lupus, in the entrance to a cave
6337359 18th century English gentleman and his tame wolf, Canis lupus, in the entrance to a cave by English School, (19th century); (add.info.: 18th century English gentleman and his tame wolf)

Background imageSir Ashton Lever Collection: Rotunda at the Leverian Museum (engraving)

Rotunda at the Leverian Museum (engraving)
610695 Rotunda at the Leverian Museum (engraving) by English School, (18th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Perspective View of the Rotunda at the Leverian Museum, Albion Street)

Background imageSir Ashton Lever Collection: Interior view of the Leverian Museum, Albion Place, Southwark, London, 1806

Interior view of the Leverian Museum, Albion Place, Southwark, London, 1806. The Museum contains the natural history collection of Sir Ashton Lever

Background imageSir Ashton Lever Collection: Front view of the Leverian Museum, Albion Place, Southwark, London, c1806

Front view of the Leverian Museum, Albion Place, Southwark, London, c1806. The museum contains the natural history collection of Sir Ashton Lever

Background imageSir Ashton Lever Collection: Fossil crinoid, artwork C016 / 5568

Fossil crinoid, artwork C016 / 5568
Fossil crinoid. Watercolour of a fossil crinoid by Sarah Stone (circa 1760-1844) from the collection of Sir Ashton Lever

Background imageSir Ashton Lever Collection: Afrrican murex, artwork C013 / 6795

Afrrican murex, artwork C013 / 6795
African murex. Watercolour of an African murex (Hexaplex duplex) shell by Sarah Stone (c. 1760-1844)

Background imageSir Ashton Lever Collection: Spider conch, artwork C013 / 6794

Spider conch, artwork C013 / 6794
Spider conch. Watercolour of a spider conch (Lambris chiragra) by Sarah Stone (c. 1760-1844)

Background imageSir Ashton Lever Collection: Watercolour fomr the Sir Ashton Lever Collection

Watercolour fomr the Sir Ashton Lever Collection
Watercolour by Sarah Stone (c. 1760-1844) from the Sir Ashton Lever Collection held at the Natural History Museum, London. NHML (3) 42

Background imageSir Ashton Lever Collection: Bird display

Bird display
A perspective view of the grand saloon and gallery from A Companion to the [British] Museum (1790) by Sir Ashton Lever. The Natural History Museum in South Kensington was not built until 1880s

Background imageSir Ashton Lever Collection: Fossilised naticid gastropods and leaves

Fossilised naticid gastropods and leaves
Watercolour showing two views of a naticid gastropod and a fossilised leaf encased in a nodule by Sarah Stone (c. 1760-1844) from the collection of Sir Ashton Lever

Background imageSir Ashton Lever Collection: Struthio camelus, ostrich

Struthio camelus, ostrich
Watercolour by Sarah Stone (1788) from the collection of Sir Ashton Lever

Background imageSir Ashton Lever Collection: Fossil Crinoid

Fossil Crinoid
Watercolour of a fossil crinoid by Sarah Stone (c. 1760-1844) from the collection of Sir Ashton Lever

Background imageSir Ashton Lever Collection: Hexaplex duplex, African murex

Hexaplex duplex, African murex
Watercolour of an African murex by Sarah Stone (c. 1760-1844) from the collection of Sir Ashton Lever

Background imageSir Ashton Lever Collection: Spodylus americanus, thorny oyster

Spodylus americanus, thorny oyster
Watercolour of a thorny oyster on blue paper by Sarah Stone (c. 1760-1844) from the collection of Sir Ashton Lever


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Step into the captivating world of Sir Ashton Lever, an 18th-century English gentleman with a passion for exploration and natural history. As you enter the interior view of Sir Ashton Lever's Museum in Leicester Square, prepare to be transported back in time to a realm where curiosity knows no bounds. The engravings depicting Sir Ashton Lever himself give us a glimpse into the life of this remarkable man. With his distinguished appearance and refined demeanor, it is evident that he was not only a collector but also a connoisseur of knowledge. One engraving showcases the Rotunda at the Leverian Museum, an architectural marvel that housed some of Sir Ashton's most prized possessions. This grand structure served as a testament to his dedication to preserving and showcasing rare artifacts from around the world. In another engraving, we see Sir Ashton accompanied by his loyal companion - a tame wolf named Canis lupus. Together they stand at the entrance to a mysterious cave, symbolizing their shared spirit of adventure and discovery. As we explore further into the museum's interior view, we are greeted by an array of fascinating exhibits. Fossil crinoids catch our eye with their intricate beauty while African murex shells captivate us with their vibrant colors. The spider conch beckons us closer with its delicate spiral pattern. These treasures were part of Sir Ashton Lever's extensive collection which he generously shared with visitors from all walks of life. His desire to educate and inspire others through these wonders is palpable within these walls. Front view reveals how Albion Place became home to this extraordinary museum - its facade exuding elegance and sophistication. It stood as both an educational institution and a testament to one man's insatiable thirst for knowledge. Watercolors from the Sir Ashton Lever Collection transport us even deeper into his world - capturing scenes from far-flung lands or documenting exotic species previously unseen by many eyes. Sir Ashton Lever left behind not just physical artifacts but a legacy of curiosity and wonder.